At a Bundeswehr Christmas party in Delitzsch, a DJ played the first stanza of the Deutschlandlied, prompting the commander's resignation. Colonel Andreas Schnebelt offered to step down to prevent further damage. The incident occurred on December 11 before over a thousand guests.
The German Army's Non-Commissioned Officers' School in Delitzsch was the site of a controversial incident during its annual Christmas party on December 11. A civilian DJ played the first stanza of the Deutschlandlied before more than a thousand guests, beginning with the words "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles …". This stanza dates back to 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben and was later misused for propaganda by the Nazis. Today, only the third stanza, with "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit," serves as the official national anthem, though the other stanzas are not forbidden.
The school's commander, Colonel Andreas Schnebelt, responded by offering to relinquish his position. The army accepted his request and appointed Schnebelt's deputy to lead temporarily starting January 5. "I deeply regret the incident and take the consequences," Schnebelt stated. He noted that playing the stanza and the inadequate handling did not align with the army's leadership culture. The aim was to avert further damage to the school.
The event highlights sensitive issues like suspicions of right-wing extremism in the Bundeswehr, often viewed as a reflection of society. However, there are no indications of a broader political motive behind the DJ's music choice.
